BUFFALOCarter Camper was trying not to gawk up into the stands during the pre-game introductions at the Scottrade Center during his NHL debut on Wednesday night.
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind week after getting called up to Boston for the first time in his hockey career. Camper skated 11 shifts for 6:21 of ice time in Bostons 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues for his first NHL action, and he admitted that his nerves were riding high for his first shift.
Who could blame him?
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SIGN UP HERE When I first got out there I tried not looking up into the stands because that arena was a lot bigger than what Im used to in college or the AHL, said Camper. Once you start skating everything goes to the back of your mind, and its all about hockey. But when you first go out there its pretty neat to look around and see the event that youre involved in.
I felt good in the face-off circle. Just being out there was good and hopefully I can make some plays the next time Im out there. I am still trying to learn. Practice is a good confidence-builder for me right now. Like any other level it takes a little time to adjust and hopefully youre able to adjust and play the game youre capable of playing.
The first-year player hopes to be back out in the lineup Friday night against the Sabres at the First Niagara Center, and was skating with Josh Hennessy and Benoit Pouliot during Thursdays practice.
Camper wasnt terrible in his NHL debut, but he also wasnt much of a factor in a game that had playoff-style intensity on both sides. Campers line ended up hemmed in their own zone for large portions of their shifts on the ice, and Claude Julien shortened his bench in the final 20 minutes looking for the win.
That meant both Jordan Caron and Camper were riding the pine, but the Bs coach did like the rookies composure and his ability to win 5-out-of-8 face-offs while he was in the game.
Camper was good on draws. Youve got to remember we were playing one of the best teams in the Western Conference, said Julien. It was a tough start for him to be thrown in there, but I didnt mind his game. Hes smart and I thought his hockey sense is good. On face-offs he was decent. He had worked on it in the morning and guys were good about giving him some tips.
I wouldnt read much into the third period on the bench more than we really needed to win. We cut down on our bench and went with more experience. It wasnt a reflection on his game. Its where we are with him, and hopefully well get to see him again and maybe even see him more.